Though Star Trek fans know Tim Russ as Voyager's Tuvok, music was his first love, and his new CD Bugsters in collaboration with two other Trek alumni is only the latest expression of that interest.

In an interview with Music Street Journal, Russ said that his partner Jedda Roskilly had come up with the idea of doing a children's album. "We thought it would be fun to have a couple of other Trek actor's voices on it," he said, so he asked Ethan Phillips (Neelix) and Chase Masterson (Leeta) if they would like to be involved.

Russ said that he was raised on rock, R&B and folk and named Cat Stevens, Santana, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Hornsby influences. "I started playing guitar when I was 14 years old," he explained. "My brother was playing the drums and sitting in with club bands at 14, and later we played in the same groups. I started acting my last year of high school."

Russ and Roskilly are working on a project called Mythe. In addition, the actor-director hopes to helm a feature in 2006, having directed several short films including Roddenberry On Patrol.

A review of Russ' Bugsters at Music Street Journal said the CD is "sure to be a hit with your toddlers" and recommended it as a holiday gift.

And a review of Russ' Brave New World, also at Music Street Journal, praised the album and suggested, "If you are a fan of mature, thoughtful music that is done well, you should give this one a shot."

Thanks to TimRussTribute.com for the links.

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